About Zanzibar

The legendary Spice Islands of Zanzibar offers paradise with an exotic history featuring Arabian Princes and Princesses. Sample all the island has to offer at either Zi Villa or Zi Beach Cottage. Exquisite scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing and Island Tours to all the renowned sites in Zanzibar.

On the North East Coast of Zanzibar in the district of Matemwe, opposite the famous Mnemba Island you will find Zi Villa – a private luxury villa, protected by a natural coral reef and with the crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean on your doorstep, this unspoiled paradise destination is ideal for diving and water sports.

A Brief History

The Island of Zanzibar – also known as Spice Island – consists of two main islands, Pemba and Unguja with some 50 smaller islands surrounding the archipelago. The main island, known by the locals as Unguja, and confusingly, simply as Zanzibar internationally, is the most developed of the two islands.

Zanzibar is located about 40 kilometres (25 miles) off the coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean, approximately five degrees south of the Equator. The population of Zanzibar is about 800,000 people of which 150,000 are found on Pemba. The majority of people inhabit the city of Stonetown. Many of the rural people prefer the fertile Northern side of the island, while the East Coast offers the most spectacular beaches and holiday destinations.

The People

The people are diverse and interesting. One of the Island’s most remarkable features it the friendliness and hospitality shown by the locals. The majority of the people are of Bantu origin with some Arab strains. They are not as tribal as in Kenya or South Africa. This is due to a policy introduced by the Tanzanian Government in the late 1060’s whereby tribes were either relocated or broken up. The intention of the government was to prevent tribal warfare. Whilst this policy today is the main contributor of the prevailing peace within the country, it did lead to a disruption and lack of skills on Zanzibar, causing the country poverty.

Religion

Religion forms a major part of the Zanzibar culture. If you are stationed in Stonetown you will hear the calls for prayers from the local mosque. The most common religion followed is Muslim. The remaining mix are a combination of Hindu and Christians. A large Hindu population used to exit on the island, but many of them fled the country, or were killed during the revolution in 1963. The Christians came later during the period of Portuguese rule and British Colonialism.

History

Zanzibar has lured traders, adventurers and explorers to its shores for centuries. The Assyrians, Sumerians, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Indians, Chinese, Persians, Portuguese, Omani Arabs, Dutch and English had all been here at one time or another. Some, particularly the Shirazi Persians and Omani Arabs, stayed to settle and rule. The earliest settlers to Zanzibar were the Arab traders who came to trade gold, silks, ivory, spices, animal skins and, most notoriously, slaves. But many stayed intermarrying with the locals to form a culture that’s uniquely diverse and producing a race of people who regard hospitality to strangers as all important.

Zanzibar

Things To Do & See

Spice Plantations

Spice Plantations

5km

Kisimkazi

Kisimkazi

12km

Jozani Forest

Jozani Forest

20km

Mnemba Atoll

Mnemba Atoll

25km

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“Paradise everyday” – WOW! We spent a whole week in this gorgeous small private villa with our very own private pool for when the tide was out. The road to the villa is long and bumpy so when you land you dont really want to leave again till your stay is over. Luckily you dont need to….All meals and beverages are supplied. If there is anything else you need they will purchase for you. Fantastic free WiFi. Great TV is available ...

– TripAdvisor Guest

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“Excellent setting, amazing staff” – We spent an unbelievable, very lazy week at Zi Villa Beach Cottage. The staff (George, Sam et al) are amazing. Come hungry as there is so much food at each meal – it took us half a week to get a portion of food that we could actually finish. The food is excellent, freshly prepared and very tasty. The curry sauce in the calamari curry could be eaten with everything. George or Sam will discuss ...

– TripAdvisor Guest

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“Home from home” – Visited Zanzibar for the first time in a 2 family group – loved the island, history and people and the house is truly rustic and out of the way. This was a large part of the charm for us, but may feel a little isolated for others. The people at the house (George, Sam et al) were wonderful and made the holiday truly special. Views from the Master Bedroom terrace over Mnemba island were spectacular, so ...

– TripAdvisor Guest

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“Fabulous villa with friendly and helpful staff” – Stayed in this wonderful villa for 4 nights after a safari holiday, perfect place to relax. We were a group of 2 families with 4 children between 10 – 14yrs, pool area is lovely, beach great, though do need to be careful of sea urchins. Kids loved playing in the waves on the beach when tide was in. All the staff were really lovely and looked after us very well without us ...